While some bad habits can damage our oral health, others protect them. Brushing teeth regularly, flossing, and visiting the dentist are habits that are good for oral health. On the other hand, habits that involve using your teeth as tools, not brushing, or smoking can negatively impact your dental health. Here is how!
Tobacco use is dangerous for all parts of your body, including your mouth. It’s responsible for bad breath, stained teeth, and gum disease. The sugar in tobacco is harmful to your teeth as well. Gum disease and tooth decay are the two biggest side effects of smoking cigarettes or using chewing tobacco. You put your life at risk by continuing to smoke or use chewing tobacco. Your mouth is not the only part of your body that is affected by tobacco use. It also causes cancer, emphysema, heart disease, and many other health issues. It’s time to kick the habit for good! If you need help quitting, contact our office today to schedule an appointment. We can help you get your smile back and improve your oral and overall health.
When you brush your teeth too forcefully, you can cause damage to your enamel. Enamel is the hard outer layer of your tooth, and it helps to protect the inner layers of the tooth from decay. If you damage your enamel, it can cause your teeth to look discolored and have a dull appearance. It can also cause sensitivity in your teeth, and they can be more sensitive or prone to hot and cold temperatures. In addition, when you brush too aggressively, it can lead to gum recession. Your gums are designed to hold your teeth in place with a firm fit around the base of them. When you brush too vigorously, you can cause the gums to pull away from the teeth and expose the roots of the teeth. This can lead to other oral health issues as well as tooth decay on the roots underneath the gums.
To help you avoid these issues, it is a good idea to add a soft-bristled toothbrush to your oral hygiene routine. You should also avoid pressing too hard as you brush. Instead, you should focus on gently cleaning your teeth and making sure to floss as well to remove plaque from the spaces between your teeth. Between visits with your dentist, make sure that you maintain a good home oral care regimen so you can keep your smile healthy between appointments.
People who grind their teeth are often unaware of it until the damage is already done. It can happen to people of all ages, and dentists often refer to it as either bruxism or nighttime tooth grinding. This habit can also result in headaches and jaw pain. In some cases, teeth may break or become loose due to bruxism. If you experience teeth grinding, talk with your dentist about ways to reduce the damage, such as a mouth guard.
We all know that our teeth are meant for chewing food. However, some people use their teeth for other purposes, such as opening a bottle lid or cracking nuts. This habit can be very dangerous to your oral health and can cause your teeth to become damaged. Sometimes, it can even break the teeth! Make sure to avoid this bad habit if you want to keep your teeth intact and healthy.
Nail-biting can also cause damage to the teeth by causing chips and even fractures in them. Another way that it can cause damage is by pulling the gums away from the teeth and, by doing so, disrupting the gum tissue’s role as a protective barrier for your teeth. This can then lead to the problem of gum disease. Gum disease happens when bacteria build up in your gums alongside infections that cause swelling, soreness, bleeding, receding gum lines, or even loose teeth.
If you constantly find yourself thinking about biting your fingernails, the best thing to do is to kick that habit for good.
To learn more about our dental services or to schedule a consultation with our dentist at our practice located at 2711 S Parker Rd., Aurora, CO 80014, call H&M Family Dentistry at (303) 353-9611. We will be happy to assist you further.
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